Pret diversifies store locations as international business expands

Pret A Manger is stepping up its operations in the US after signing its first franchise agreement.

The company has struck a partnership with Bon Appétit Management Company that will see it open branches in the University of Pennsylvania and University of Chicago. It will be the first time that it has launched stores within US universities.

Two stores opened at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania yesterday, while the University of Chicago store is scheduled to begin trading on September 14.

Bon Appétit Management Company is an on-site restaurant company that operates more than 1,000 cafes in 33 states for corporations, universities and museums, as well as public restaurants.

The shops will offer Pret’s popular menu of organic coffee and handmade natural food, including sandwiches, salads, wraps, baguettes and hot options. All of Pret’s fresh items are prepared on-site in the shop kitchens every day.

“Choosing the right partners is important for Pret and we really admire Bon Appetit’s values and operational strengths,” said Jo Brett, Pret’s US president. “Our menu of freshly-made food to go is perfect for students juggling a busy academic lifestyle, and I’m sure our organic coffee will also be very popular on campus.”

Brett said the company’s expectation is that the new university shops are “the first of many”.